20 July, 2025
survivor-recalls-escape-from-deadly-ha-long-bay-boat-capsize

A tragic incident in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, resulted in the capsizing of the tour boat Wonder Sea, claiming at least 38 lives and leaving five individuals missing. The boat, which set off on a three-hour excursion on October 7, 2023, was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when adverse weather conditions struck.

According to survivor Dang Anh Tuan, the boat’s crew assured passengers that they were nearing their destination despite the deteriorating weather. Tuan recounted that a sudden storm brought high winds and heavy rain, prompting passengers to express their desire to return to shore. “It rained for about 15 minutes, and then the boat started to shake vigorously,” Tuan stated. “Tables and chairs were jostled around and seconds later the boat overturned.”

As water flooded the vessel, Tuan struggled to maintain his bearings. He described the harrowing moment when he had to make a life-or-death choice: “I tried to breathe. But more water came in. I took a deep breath, got rid of my life vest and dove down. I saw a streak of light and followed it to swim out, escaping the boat.”

After escaping the submerged vessel, Tuan and three others managed to cling to the overturned boat, awaiting rescue for two hours until conditions improved. Rescuers saved 11 individuals, but one later succumbed to injuries sustained during the accident, as reported by VNExpress. Among those rescued was a 14-year-old boy who spent four hours trapped inside the hull of the capsized boat.

Most of the passengers were tourists from Hanoi, including around 20 children. Tuan was on holiday with a group of university friends, out of which only three survived. While Tuan himself sustained minor injuries, two of his friends faced serious medical issues, with one suffering multiple head injuries and the other injuring tendons while escaping through a broken window. Tragically, nine members of their group did not survive, including a father who was traveling with his wife and three-year-old son, both of whom also drowned.

The Wonder Sea capsized due to the powerful winds associated with the storm. As the nation grapples with this disaster, a new tropical storm, named Storm Wipha, is projected to affect Vietnam’s northern region next week, including the coast of Ha Long Bay.

In light of the tragedy, authorities are continuing their search for the five missing individuals while offering support to the families affected by this devastating event.